Triquetral fractures

Who is the leaflet for? What is its aim?

This leaflet aims to answer some of the questions that you may have about managing a triquetral fracture

What is a triquetral fracture?

The triquetrum is a bone in the back of your hand. It can be injured by simply falling onto an outstretched hand. Usually, a small flake of bone is pulled away by the ligament that attaches to the bone. This is called an avulsion. Symptoms of a triquetral injury typically include pain and tenderness in the area on the little finger side of your wrist.

Whilst your injury is healing, your hand and wrist will be placed in a removable splint.

Swelling and bruising at the injury site are normal. Using simple, over the counter pain killers and applying ice to the area will help to reduce swelling and pain. Ice, wrapped in a tea towel, should be applied for 20 minutes, three to four times a day. Pain and swelling may continue for up to 3 months following this injury.

How is it treated?

Use the splint you have been given for 4 weeks to help manage your injury. Remove your splint for hygiene and during the day to exercises your wrist and fingers to prevent stiffness. Normal activities can be done as your pain allows, but heavy activities and sports should be avoided until your swelling and stiffness have resolve.

You should:

• Keep the splint on all the time, even at night. It can be removed for hygiene reasons and to exercise your wrist and fingers.
• Keep your fingers moving while wearing the splint to prevent them becoming stiff.
• Elevate your hand in the days following your injury to help prevent swelling.
• Remove any rings or jewelry on the affected hand.

You should not:

• Take part in any physical contact sports.
• Miss your clinic appointment if you have been asked to attend.

Contacts / Further information

Please remember:

Please contact your GP if your condition is not improving or if your pain relief is not adequate.

If your condition is worsening please contact the Multi professional fracture clinic on 01223 348299 or 01223 257095.

For more information please visit Fracture Info. (opens in a new tab).